"Do you remember, last night?" Loki asked cheerfully.

Thor looked up in surprise. The Trickster sat down on the couch next to him, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "When you asked me if I wanted to be your brother?"

Thor smirked. "I'm surprised you can recall that. You were pretty out of it."

Loki shrugged innocently. "Could we be brothers, perhaps? I realize it's a lot to ask, especially on top of all the kindness you've already given me, but… no harm in asking, right?"

Thor raised an eyebrow. "I practically already consider you my brother."

The young Jotun gave him a startled look. "It's been maybe a week since you met me, and I've done next to nothing but lie to you the entire time."

"Perhaps." Thor admitted. "But I believe that there is power in destiny, and that we were meant to cross paths. 'Brother' seems natural to call you, so why should we not be brothers?"

Loki frowned, and stared at the floor, deep in thought. He hadn't expected Thor to agree. He had only brought it up, as a sort of joke. But Thor was serious.

"Let's get the coronation out of the way, and then I'll talk to the council about legally adopting you." He continued placidly.

Loki's eyebrows shot up. "I didn't mean legally!" He blurted.

"Why not?" Thor shrugged. "What's wrong with being a prince? I've always wanted a younger brother, anyway."

Loki was stunned. Absolutely thunderstruck. (pun intended) "What makes you think I'm the younger?" Was all he could find to protest with. "We don't know how old I am, so I might be older than you!"

Thor smirked, and went back to the paperwork he was doing. "Because."

"Because why?" Loki irritably persisted.

Thor grinned. "I want you to be younger, and I'm older, so you have to do what I say."

Loki rolled his eyes at the inanity of the logic, but really couldn't argue. Not without risking Thor changing his mind about the whole thing.

A week later, Thor had his servants dress him in his finest garments. A ruby-red cape draped over his shoulders, flowing elegantly to the heels of his polished leather boots, shiny enough to see his reflection in them. His hair was half-pulled back, and cascading over his shoulders. A silver breastplate covered the fine linen tunic and trousers, and his hammer, Mjolnir, hung by his side.

Loki sat, his legs curled under him, on the couch, a book on his lap.

"Loki, are you going to get ready, any time soon?" Thor spoke up.

The young Jotun glanced up in mild surprise. "What would I do to prepare for the greatest day of my life?"

Thor smiled in self-gratification. "I don't think it's that much of an occasion for you, Loki."

Loki's red eyes locked onto Thor's. "Oh, really, Thor?"

"I mean, it's just my coronation." Thor laughed nervously. "It's huge for me, not you."

Loki glided to his feet. "Have you forgotten, then, that today, for the first time in my life, I legally own my own person?" An excited smile danced in his eyes. "I no longer have to answer to anyone but you, after today, and you, only because you're king. If someone makes advances on me, I'm allowed to refuse them." He laughed in disbelief. "Punching me will be frowned upon!" Loki's eyes shone in glee. "And that's not even the best part… Everyone else I've ever known… They'll be free, too!"

Thor smiled in agreement. "That's right, I'd almost forgotten."

Loki glared at him. "Seriously?"

"I know, I'm a bit self-centered." Thor laughed.

"A bit?" Loki laughed joyously. "You'll be making half of all your subjects unbearably happy, and the other half utterly furious!" He clapped in mirth. "I can't wait!"

Thor let out a great peal of laughter, and clapped Loki on the shoulder. "I'd advise you to get dressed, at least. Hofund?"

The servant looked up. "Yes, Sire?"

"Would you please help Loki dress himself for the ceremony?"

"Of course, Sire." He touched his cap, and picked up a small parcel by the door.

"What's that?" Loki wondered eagerly.

Thor grinned. "Your clothes for the ceremony and feast."

Loki's eyes were as wide as dinner plates. "You got me… nice clothes? Nicer than what I'd already had?"

Thor nodded cheerfully, as Hofund handed him the tunic and trousers. They were the color of liquid night, and were as soft as a lily's petal. Loki looked like he was going to cry as he bolted into the washroom, and scurried out a few seconds later for the servant to help him with the rest of the garments; a dark red long coat, so dark you could barely tell it was red unless it was in full sunlight, with silver trimmings and embroidery, a silver breastplate and vambraces, and a magnificent silver horned helmet. And, of course, black, knee-high boots. Loki rejoiced.

"Honestly, were I Aiser, I could pass for the king instead of you!" He gloated, running an almost reverent finger over the embroidery on the cuff of his coat.

Hofund bowed, and made his leave, after exchanging a few cordialities with his soon-to-be-king.

Thor glanced restlessly at the sundial outside the window. "We have maybe a quarter of an hour, Loki." He informed the smaller man. "Are you ready?"

Loki looked him dead in the eye. "No." He declared firmly. "I'm terrified."

"Why?" Thor put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "There's nothing for you to fear."

Loki bit his lip anxiously. "How do you… be free? Is it different?"

Thor shrugged, oblivious as to how it felt to be in bondage.

"I've never been anything more than property, before…" Loki's fingers fidgeted together restlessly. His eyes skitting about the room as if he'd never see it, again. "Best just to get it over with, and find out, is that it?"

Thor agreed, and the two of them walked down to the throne room together. There were butterflies churning in Thor's stomach. What if he wasn't a great king? Or even a good king? What if he wasn't ready? What if he led the realm to ruins? What if…

"Nervous?" Loki asked, his eyes alight with anticipation.

"A little." Thor understated. They hesitated just outside the throne room. "You'll be there for me?"

Loki bobbed his head. "As your brother, remember?"

Thor' face creased into a smile. "Very well, then. Brother. Let's go change our lives forever."

Short filler-ish chapter, oof.

TheOnlyHuman.